Abstract: The present invention aims to develop a photosensitive resin composition which exhibits a rapid ink absorption rate, which has an excellent water resistance, and which is appropriate for providing an ink receiving layer forming a sharp ink dot shape and having an excellent color formability of ink. A photosensitive resin composition forming an excellent ink receiving layer is obtained by incorporating at least one selected from an ethylenically unsaturated group-containing compound having quaternary nitrogen and a grain flour (filler) such as a wheat flour or the like in a photosensitive resin composition containing a quaternary nitrogen-free ethylenically unsaturated group-containing compound, a photopolymerization initiator etc.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is an additive composition for paper making which is added to the pulp prior to web formation in order to increase the wet strength of the web. The basic component of the composition is a component made from starch, which to its molecular weight has been thinned to a viscosity level of 10 to 400 (5%, 60° C.

Abstract: A recording paper coated or impregnated with a sizing agent containing a water-soluble soybean polysaccharide as an indispensable component, and optionally a cationic polymer and a surfactant, preferably a nonionic surfactant having HLB of 5-15. The water-soluble soybean polysaccharide is a water-soluble polysaccharide extracted from soybean or soybean extraction residue and subjected to desalinating purification.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition having improved block resistance which includes an emulsion polymer, a nonionic or anionic surfactant, the surfactant having an HLB value less than 11.6 or greater than 14.6, and an alkyl polyglycoside is provided. In addition a method for for improving the block resistance of a dried aqueous coating composition including forming the aqueous coating composition having improved block resistance, applying the aqueous coating composition to a substrate, and drying, or allowing to dry, the aqueous coating composition is provided.

Abstract: A biologically degradable polymer mixture containing at least one biopolymer made from renewable raw materials and a polymer selected from the following materials: an aromatic polyester; a polyester-copolymer with both aliphatic and aromatic blocks; a polyesteramide; a polyglycol; a polyester urethane; and/or mixtures of these components. The preferred renewable raw material is starch, more preferably native starch, most preferably native starch that has been predried.

Abstract: For converting native starch or starch derivatives into thermoplastic starch, added to the starch is at least one hydrophobic biodegradable polymer. This hydrophobic biodegradable polymer, which serves as a plasticizer or swelling agent, may be a polymer selected from the following list: an aliphatic polyester, a copolyester with aliphatic and aromatic blocks, a polyester amide, a polyester urethane, a polyethylene oxide polymer and/or a polyglycol, and/or mixtures of these. When the starch, such as in particular native starch or derivatives thereof, is mixed in the melt with the hydrophobic biodegradable polymer as a plasticizer or swelling agent, to homogenize the mixture, the water content is reduced to <1% by weight based on the weight of the mixture.

Abstract: Thermoplastic starch compositions that include a particulate filler, e.g. an inorganic filler component, and optional fibrous component The compositions include a thermoplastic phase comprising a thermoplastic starch melt that contains, at a minimum, starch blended with an appropriate plasticizing agent under conditions in order for the starch to form a thermoplastic melt. The thermoplastic phase may also include one or more additional thermoplastic polymers and other optional reactants, liquids or cross-linking agents to improve the water-resistance, strength, and/or other mechanical properties of the thermoplastic melt, particularly upon solidification. The inorganic filler component may affect the mechanical properties but will mainly be added to reduce the cost of the thermoplastic starch compositions by displacing a significant portion of the more expensive starch or starch/polymer melt.

Abstract: The invention relates to blends of a polyethylene oxide (PEO) resin and a latex emulsion. The blends are formed by mixing or coating a PEO powder resin with a latex emulsion and melt blending the powder. The blends have improved processibility and toughness which are beneficial in the manufacture of PEO-based films and fibers. The films composed of the PEO/latex blend have improved toughness, breathability, and tear resistance and are useful for the manufacture of disposable, flushable medical and personal care products, such as diapers, tampons, feminine napkins, and bladder control pads.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture which comprise biodegradable fibers and fabrics made therefrom. The fibers are made from starch-based biodegradable thermoplastic polymers, which preferably include a an additional biodegradable thermoplastic polymer blended with thermoplastic starch for improved chemical and physical properties. Threads or fibers for the manufacture of these articles are drawn in a process that improves their mechanical properties, particularly their strength. These threads or fibers can be used in the manufacture of articles that have open, semi-densely packed or densely packed structures.

Abstract: A biologically degradable polymer mixture is proposed which consists essentially of starch and at least one hydrophobic polymer. The hydrophobic polymer is in this connection at least substantially biologically degradable and thermoplastically processable and the mixture with the starch comprising a polymer phase mediator or a macromolecular dispersing agent so that the starch is present in the mixture as disperse phase with the hydrophobic polymer as continuous phase, and the phase mediator or the dispersing agent is responsible for the molecular coupling of the two phases. As starch there is preferably used thermoplastic starch which has been prepared substantially with the exclusion of water by means of sorbitol or glycerol. The production of the biologically degradable polymer mixture is also carried out substantially with the exclusion of water.

Abstract: A water soluble, non-ionic masking agent is used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards. The masking agent masks portions of the circuit board to prevent adhesion of solder, flux and the like. The masking agent includes a water soluble non-ionic binder resin, a cellulosic non-ionic filler, a non-ionic surfactant, at least one non-ionic associative thickener, and deionized water. The masking agent material is readily removed from the circuit board after manufacture and does not render further wash water processing ineffective. The masking agent is non-ionic, and thus does not agglomerate or clump downstream ion-exchange or filtration media.

Abstract: An adhesive for applying to a creping surface in the process for dry creping tissue paper is disclosed. The adhesive comprises cationic starch and optionally a polyvinyl alcohol and a water-soluble, thermosetting, cationic polyamide-epihalohydrin resin. The adhesive provides high adhesion and doctorability for dry creping.

Abstract: A polymer composition uncludes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced molded plastic part, a process for its manufacture and a use. The fiber-reinforced molded plastic part consists of a plastic matrix with natural fibers particularly arranged in a uniformly distributed manner in the plastic matrix. The plastic matrix has at least two mutually mixed polymers, of which one is a biopolymer and the other is a polymer which is at least largely resistant to biological stress.

Abstract: Biodegradable sorghum meal-based extruded shaped products or articles and methods of manufacturing the same. In particular, extruded sorghum meal-based products processed by compression, stretching or compression and stretching provide excellent flexibility, pliability, dimensional stability, resiliency, abrasion resistance and other properties making them attractive for use as packaging materials.

Abstract: Hodapen pulp is a thermoplastic molding composition comprising whole or particulated rice hull pretreated with Sodium Peroxide; a resin binder as a solvent; scrap plastic; and rice hull ash as filler. The composition possesses the molding stability for a deferred use and readiness for immediate extrusion. The pulp is a new product with enhanced strength and improved water, fire, fungal, and termite resistance with superior advantage over similar products. The composition incorporates plastic waste and rice hull as its major components which by themselves contribute to environmental pollution and are treated as a disposable waste.

Abstract: Described are controlled, time-release microparticulate active and bioactive compositions (including perfuming compositions) for targeted delivery to surfaces such as skin, hair and fabric and the environment proximate thereto, where the active and bioactive materials have a calculated log.sub.10 P values of between 1 and 8 (P being the n-octanol-water partition coefficient). Such compositions include the active or bioactive material in single phase, solid solution in a wax or polymer matrix also having coated thereon and/or containing a compatible surfactant. Also described are processes and apparatus for preparing such compositions and processes for using same. Furthermore, certain component(s) of the aforementioned compositions in combination with one another are novel, and other components have novel uses in increasing fragrance substantivity, particularly in hair care preparations such as hair gels and shampoos.

Abstract: This invention relates to high solids aqueous dispersions of reactive hydrophobizing agents, to methods of preparation of such dispersions, and to aqueous blends of such dispersions with a variety of other aqueous dispersions or solutions, including synthetic resin emulsions, wherein the aqueous dispersions of reactive hydrophobizing agents are prepared in the presence of a water-soluble protective colloid in combination with a solid water-insoluble anhydride compound. The dispersions of this invention efficiently impart hydrophobic characteristics to the surfaces and interfaces of materials onto which they are applied and unexpectedly exhibit very high stability to storage and handling conditions found in industry.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite resin composition comprising aliphatic polyester resin (component A) having aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid units, one or more biomass material (component B) selected from the group consisting of cellulose, lignocellulose and starch and unsaturated carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof (component C), wherein the composite resin composition comprises a component obtained by covalently bonding a portion or the whole of component A and component B through component C. On processing into various formed items, the composite resin composition of the invention exhibits excellent tensile strength and other physical properties and processability and simultaneously has good biodegradability, and enable biomass materials of low added value to apply to high added value uses in a large amount.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for retort packaging comprising a laminated film having an outermost layer comprising a layer formed of a cross-linked structure containing ester bonds between poly(meth)acrylic acid (A) and polyalcoholic polymer (B); a resin composition having at least the chemical structures (X) [poly(meth)acrylic acid (A) residue], (Y) [poly(meth)acrylic acid (A)-polyalcoholic polymer (B) residue] and (Z) [metal cross-linked ionic residues], wherein the degree of esterification defined by the equation: degree of esterification=c/(b+c+d) is from 0.01 to 0.5 and the degree of ionization defined by the equation: degree of ionization=c/(b+c+d) is from 0.01 to 0.9 (wherein b, c and d represent the molar ratios of the carbon-oxygen double bond in the chemical structure of the resin composition; and a gas barrier film comprising the same.

Abstract: A rubber-processing additive for use in bridging rubber grind and virgin rubber. The rubber-processing additive consists of a zeolite, a high molecular weight fatty acid, and a starch. The compound binds the rubber grind to the virgin rubber. The inventive compound is also composed of components that are non-toxic. The compound does not significantly affect the physical properties of the virgin rubber. A method for using a rubber-processing additive to bind rubber grind to virgin rubber is also provided. The method includes the step of adding the inventive compound to a mixture of rubber grind and virgin rubber.

Abstract: An organo-metallic compound for use as a chemical aid in using scrap plastics in rubber formulations. The organo-metallic compound includes a zeolite, a starch, and a high molecular weight fatty acid soap. The compounds are in powder form and mixed together by a high-speed blender. The inventive compound creates a bridge between the scrap plastic and the rubber formulation allowing a blend between the two compounds. The compound accomplishes this while using a non-toxic substance. A method for using scrap plastics in rubber formulations is also provided. The method includes the step of adding the inventive compound to the scrap plastic and the virgin rubber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surface treatment agent for aqueous ink receiving media such as ink jet recording paper, printing sheets, coating materials and so on. The surface treatment agent according to the invention comprises a water-based resin and a carboxylic acid-containing hydrophilic sulfopolyester which provides superior adhesion and water resistance. With the superior adhesion properties, the surface treatment agent can be directly coated on substrates without the inconvenience of primer coating. The surface treatment agent of the invention is suitable for aqueous ink jet printing, coating, or recording media, particularly those of ink jet printers and ink jet plotters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastically processible esterification or transesterification products of starch or of starch derivatives with, for example, lactones, fatty acids, esteramides and the like, wherein the starch or the starch derivative is brought to melt using appropriate softeners or plasticizers before esterification or transesterification.

Abstract: Sizing agents comprised of dispersed synthetic polymers in an aqueous solution are provided, as well as methods for making these sizing agents and methods for using these sizing agents to size paper. Improved sizing is obtained by including recurring units of methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate and/or propyl acrylate in the synthetic polymers.

Abstract: A plastic composition having incorporated copper is provided in accordance with the invention. The plastic material can be processed at low temperatures, readily absorbs water, and has good film forming properties. In particular, the plastic material is a polycaprolactone and the copper is derived from copper hydroxide and/or copper carbonate. The plastic material is useful for forming plant containers that promote a branched root structure.

Abstract: A biodegradable expanded starch product having low bulk density of less than 0.45 lb/ft.sup.3 and low dustiness of less than 1.0% at 10% relative humidity and 23.degree. C. comprising:a) modified starch having an amylose content of about 10 to 30% by weight and modified with about 2 to 6% by weight of bound alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, andb) from about 8 to 15% by weight of hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol based on the weight of starch and having a degree of hydrolysis of from about 88 to 99%.

Abstract: A non-phenolic tackifier compound which includes starch and asphalt, and is substantially free of cross-linked fatty acids. Preferably, the tackifier compound further includes a hydrocarbon tackifying resin, and a binding resin composed of a styrene copolymer, or an ethylene copolymer.

Abstract: A biologically degradable polymer mixture contains at least one starch biopolymer made from renewable raw materials, a plasticizer, and a polymer selected from the following materials: an aromatic polyester; a polyester-copolymer with both aliphatic and aromatic blocks; a polyesteramide; a polyglycol; a polyester urethane; and/or mixtures of these components.

Abstract: A biodegradable polystyrene foaming product comprising 35-65 wt. % of polystyrene, 30-50 wt. % of starch, and 5-15 wt. % of cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Processed plant fine fibers such as those from the mesocarp of a coconut together are blended with a biodegradable plastic to produce a biodegradable plastic product that can be further made into other items. Plastics thus made from coconut husk fine fiber powder will return to the environment after disposal much more rapidly than those without coconut husk fine fiber powder. In the process, a dry compressed plant fine fiber powder is created from fine fibers of the coconut mesocarp. An example product created from this raw material is composed of 10 to 40% by weight of dry coconut husk powder mixed with environmentally degradable plastic. Environmentally non-degradable plastic may be added to the dry powder as a biodegradation rate modulator to create a modified raw material with a modified biodegradation rate. Plastic additives, standard in the industry, can be added to achieve additional desired properties.

Abstract: A polymer modifying agent for use in increasing the shelf life of natural rubber. The polymer modifying agent consists of a zeolite, a high molecular weight fatty acid, a starch, a catalyst, and rubber processing oil and aliphatic resin. The compound bonds with the rubber, particularly the polymer chains of the rubber being encapsulated by the zeolite, preventing the aging effect caused by oxidation and light. The compound also acts to disperse the silica evenly throughout the rubber. The inventive compound is also composed of components that are non-toxic. A method of blocking the effects of premature curing of rubber is also provided. The method includes a step of adding the inventive compound to the rubber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sizing composition comprising (a) thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic rosins having an acid number less than 50, thermoplastic hydrocarbon resins, thermoplastic polyamides and thermoplastic amide waxes; (b) starch selected from the group consisting of natural, anionic, oxidized, amphoteric and modified starch; and (c) surfactant.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention include a hydroxy-functional polyester and a natural polymer. Articles can be made from such a composition so as to have sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils or to have sufficient stretchability so as to form thin wrap films. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene. Granular starches derived from a grain, a root, a legume, or mixtures thereof, are particularly preferred as the natural polymers for inclusion in the compositions.

Abstract: Swimming caps having enhanced non-stick properties, and compositions and methods useful in producing such caps are disclosed. The present methods comprise contacting at least a portion of the outer surface of a swimming cap with a mixture comprising water, a reactable silicon-containing component and a starch component to form a coated swimming cap including a coating of the mixture on at least a portion of the outer surface of the swimming cap; and subjecting said coated swimming cap to conditions effective to remove water from the coating and to form a finished swimming cap having enhanced non-stick properties relative to the swimming cap prior to the contacting.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention include particular hydroxy-functional polyesters and a natural polymer. Among articles that can be made from such compositions are those with sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene. Starches are particularly preferred as the natural polymers for inclusion in the compositions.

Abstract: Self-lubricating resin compositions including a boric acid additive and a synthetic polymer including those thermoset materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for retort packaging comprising a laminated film having an outermost layer comprising a layer formed of a cross-linked structure containing ester bonds between poly(meth)acrylic acid (A) and polyalcoholic polymer (B); a resin composition having at least the chemical structures (X) [poly(meth)acrylic acid (A) residue], (Y) [poly(meth)acrylic acid (A)-polyalcoholic polymer (B) residue] and (Z) [metal cross-linked ionic residues], wherein the degree of esterification defined by the equation: degree of esterification=c/(b+c+d) is from 0.01 to 0.5 and the degree of ionization defined by the equation: degree of ionization=c/(b+c+d) is from 0.01 to 0.9 (wherein b, c and d represent the molar ratios of the carbon-oxygen double bond in the chemical structure of the resin composition; and a gas barrier film comprising the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for thermoplasticizing starch, a melt-processible polymer composition, which contains a starch-based component and a thermoplastisized polymer component, and a method for preparating such a composition. According to the invention the starch component, which contains hydroxyl groups capable of reacting with isocyanate groups, is modified so that it can be dissolved or gelatinized/plastisized in the melt of a hydroxy acid polymer. The starch component is then reacted with a thermoplastic component formed by a hydroxy acid polymer, in particular a lactic acid polymer, in order to produce a melt-processible, biologically degradable starch-based polymer, which can be used as an adhesive and for coating of paper and cardboard products and for preparation of injection moulded and thermoformed articles.

Abstract: Thermoplastically moldable, biodegradable, starch-containing polymer blends consisting essentially ofA) 100 parts by weight of anhydrous starch,B) from 0.1 to 70 parts by weight of polyurethane containing urea groups and based on selected starting materials,C) from 0.5 to 70 parts by weight of a plasticizer component andD) from 2 to 20 parts by weight of water,a process for producing these blends by mixing the individual components in plastics processing machines and their use for producing moldings, films, fibers, coatings or laminates by thermoplastic processing.

Abstract: Aqueous alkyldiketene dispersions comprising an alkyldiketene, cationic starch having an amylopectic content of at least 95% by weight and as anionic dispersants(a) from 0.05 to 1.0% by weight of ligninsulfonic acid, condensates of naphthalenesulfonic acid and formaldehyde, sulfonated polystyrene, salts and mixtures of said polymers and (b) from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of sulfuric monoesters of alcohols having at least 10 carbon atoms, phosphoric monoesters or diesters of alcohols having at least 10 carbon atoms, sulfuric monoesters of alkoxylated alcohols having at least 10 carbon atoms, phosphoric monoesters or diesters of alkoxylated alcohols having at least 10 carbon atoms, C.sub.12 -C.sub.30 -alkylsulfonic acids, salts and mixtures of said compoundscan be used as body size in the manufacture of paper, paperboard and cardboard and for making cellulose fibers hydrophobic.

Abstract: Novel latex or emulsion compositions containing internally plasticizing and crosslinkable long-chain alkenol ester monomers are disclosed and claimed. Preferred embodiments include latex formed from acrylate or methacrylate esters of long-chain alkenols. A process for the synthesis of the latex composition is also disclosed, which involves (a) esterification of a long-chain alkenol with an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid; (b) polymerization of the ethylenically unsaturated ester in an aqueous phase with at least one other copolymerizable monomer; and (b) blending of so formed polymer with at least one drier and a surfactant to form the novel latex or emulsion compositions. These compositions form films at low minimum film forming temperatures (MFT) ranging from -5 to 10.degree. C. and cure to above ambient glass transition (T.sub.g) polymers without the use of traditional organic cosolvents which contribute to environmental pollution via volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions.

Abstract: A thermally-decomposable, biodegradable resin composition is dispersed and stabilized in water optionally along with additives to give an aqueous dispersion of the resin composition. In the dispersion, the base polymer consists substantially of a water-insoluble starch-type, biodegradable resin. The dispersion is usable in various fields of papermaking, non-woven fabric production, film and sheet production and woven fabric production, in those of dispersed adhesive production, and in those of metal processing, plastic processing, wood processing and stone processing.

Abstract: Water-borne paints containing reduced molecular weight polysaccharide derivatives that are resistant to enzyme hydrolysis. The water-borne paints are biostable, retaining at least about 80% of their initial viscosity 24 hours after they are inoculated with polysaccharide hydrolysis enzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ink-jet recording process which comprises applying a first liquid at least containing a water-soluble resin having at least one carboxyl group or anhydride thereof, or sulfonic group per molecule to a recording medium and then applying an ink at least comprising water, an organic solvent, a dye, an alkali-soluble resin and an alkali to the portions where the first liquid has adhered, thereby forming an image. An ink set and an instrument for use in such a process are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sizing composition comprising a thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic rosins having an acid number less than 50, thermoplastic hydrocarbon resins, thermoplastic polyamides and thermoplastic amide waxes, its use in sizing paper and paper sized with the sizing agent. The invention also relates to a method of sizing paper comprising use of a composition comprising a thermoplastic rosin, wherein the sizing takes place substantially in the absence of alum, and paper so sized.

Abstract: A non-aqueous slurry comprising(a) one or more water soluble polymers;(b) polyalkylene glycol or thickened polyalkylene glycol; and a(c) a slurry stabilizer comprising an amine phosphate ester salt is provided. The slurry has a number of applications, including oil recovery, and in the paper and textile industries.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous dispersion containing a cellulose-reactive sizing agent and a dispersant system comprising a low molecular weight cationic organic compound having a molecular weight less than 10,000 and an anionic stabilizer, its preparation and use in the production of paper. The invention further relates to a substantially water-free composition containing a cellulose-reactive sizing agent, a low molecular weight cationic organic compound having a molecular weight less than 10,000 and an anionic stabilizer, its preparation and use in the preparation of an aqueous dispersion of cellulose-reactive sizing agent.

Abstract: The use of dispersions of polyurethanes containing urea groups and based on selected starting materials, optionally via the intermediate stage of granules obtained by spray drying the dispersions, for the production of fully biodegradable shaped bodies.

Abstract: A stable liquid suspension composition comprising a liquid carrier, a solid fatty acid or a salt thereof, and a solid particulate is disclosed wherein said liquid carrier is selected from the group consisting of oils, olefins, terpenes, glycols, esters, ethers, alcohols, and combinations of any two or more thereof and said liquid carrier, solid fatty acid or salt thereof, and solid particulate are each present in said composition in a stabilizing amount sufficient to produce a stable liquid suspension. Also disclosed is a stable liquid composition comprising a liquid carrier, an oil-soluble polymer, and a solid particulate wherein said liquid carrier is selected from the group consisting of olefins, terpenes, esters, and combinations of any two or more thereof and said liquid carrier, oil-soluble polymer, and solid particulate are each present in said composition in a stabilizing amount sufficient to effect the formation of a stable liquid suspension.